What are /r/askportland's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

I’m sorry, OP :(

Noise canceling headphones work to cut the sound out of your headphones, but your mic picks it up and your meeting attendees still can and likely do hear it.

Check out the app called Krisp, it’s software that works with Zoom that taps into your mic’s audio (in) and adds active noice cancelling via ai. It can cut out background sounds at varying levels of severity (barks, room tone, music, baby cries, whatever.) Works quite well, I’ve used it for about a year now.

https://krisp.ai/zoom-noise-cancellation/

Amazon has those.

Enther Meal Prep Containers [20 Pack] Single 1 Compartment with Lids, Food Storage Bento Box | BPA Free | Stackable | Reusable Lunch Boxes, Microwave/Dishwasher/Freezer Safe,Portion Control (28 oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742M47V5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vkFBCbMYGQMEK

The weather is pretty unpredictable around that time. Just come. Be prepared to get wet and you'll be fine. You can use Weather Underground to view historical data if that helps.

https://www.wunderground.com/calendar/us/or/portland/KPDX/date/2019-5

I loved Fugitives and Refugees by Chuck Palahniuk because it really set the tone for how strange aspects of Portland was, although I’m not sure how accurate it remains 15 years later. Still a great book though.

Step 1: spend some time on r/personalfinance and learn how buying a house with someone you're not already married to is a bad idea. Also, that rent is not throwing away money. Your rent is the most you're going to pay to have a functional living space, a mortgage is just the base amount. You're approved for 200k, but can you afford to replace the roof, hot water heater, plumbing leaks?

Step 2: book this Airbnb for two weeks: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/8149172. Make the commute, talk to the locals. Think about the billion dollar campus expansion for Nike, and how much more traffic will be on the roads in 5 years or more.

There's really no way of knowing, typically February only has rain, but anything is possible with climate change!

There was no snow last Feb, but we had nothing like this in Jan either. He are the averages, highs and lows for Feb historically: https://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/KPDX/2017/2/15/MonthlyCalendar.html?req_city=Vancouver&req_state=WA&req_statename=&reqdb.zip=97209&reqdb.magic=1&reqdb.wmo=99999

This book is really great. It is well organized and gives info on how humans used the plants in the past as well. It is made and bound very well so it can really take a beating in the field and not be the worse for it.

This plus a portable ac unit. Ours is in the bedroom and we’ve been living in there the past few days.

seal for crank casement window

Per this Accuweather article — we do have a good chance to see them.

accuweather article 10/30/2021

They picked a really bad time to visit. Not much is really open at this point...

• The falls are officially closed.
  
• Coast beaches are open to locals only.
  
• Not many restaurants are doing dine in at all yet.

I score cheap, nice ceramics at goodwill, salvation army, etc. My hack is that the cheaper “pots” have no holes. (Salad bowls and coffee mugs make fantastic plant pots)

I make holes with a diamond hole saw set and they’re very clean.

I have 2 of these battery powered tire pumps and love it. $50.00 and I can air my tire up at any time on my motorcycle or car. Never have to worry about the pump being broken (half the time it is), or the asshole that filled their tires and went inside the store without moving their car.

Plan for light rain, sun, warm weather, or cold weather. Late October is one of those "who the fuck knows?!" times of the year.

This site may give you some insight.

If you're coming from a more southern climate, remember that the words "warm" and "cool" mean different things. To Portlanders, 80F is probably "hot" and 65F is "a nice day".

That's OHSU to the locals.

It's much too early to find a place, but be prepared, it the tightest rental market in the nation, and short term housing is hard to come by. If you can share a studio apartment, I'd budget for around $2k per month for something like this: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/710438

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/2104298

I'd recommend riding a bike if you have the means. It's 55 miles to Salem or 43 miles to McMinnville which is a lot. But not impossible. You can take the max to Hillsboro and then you are only 30 miles to McMinnville. And if traffic is terrible, you will be pedaling along mostly stopped traffic.

A lot of good suggestions already, but if you are concerned invest in door and window security upgrades.

A firearm AND training would be useful too as long as you’re comfortable with one. I was already Ed via my ring of a drunk guy trying to get inside in the middle of the night. I had my wife call the cops and retrieved my gun just in case. They eventually came and arrested him.

I bought this for my door frame

I bought these for my windows, really, a solid piece of 1x1 wood could do the trick too.

Edit: congrats on your new home!!!

denver forecast for the week. today's peak was noon. * sunday 6pm * monday 6pm * tuesday 2-4pm * wednesday 4-6pm * thursday noon-4pm * friday noon (late-day storm) * saturday noon

So yeah, it's much more true about Denver than the ~10 other cities I've looked up.

There is one train to SF it is the Coast Starlight. It departs at 2:50 pm you'll arrive in SF after 9am the next day (if on time). Amtrak is quoting $111 for a seat and $304 for a bed. The train is fairly nice, I've done the sleeper car. Meals are included with the sleeper ticket which is helpful. The beds are small but functional. If you go the coach route I would bring my dinner and breakfast onto the train.

Looks like Greyhound is around the same price as Amtrak coach, and around the same amount of time. Depart at 6:30am and arrive at 1:30am the next day.

Flying if you can swing the extra 50 to 60 will be a lot more time efficient. I highly recommend it if you want to spend as much time exploring Portland and SF.

Renting a car on a one way or a round trip may be an option. It is 10h of solid ass in seat time from here to SF. Expect 12ish hours if you stop for much more than gas and a togo meal.

I think it is just more of a West Coast thing. San Francisco started it, but LA, Portland and Seattle have always had their share of it.

"Go West, Young Man, Go West" is as true today as it was 150 years ago.

I use sea salt for sodium, "No Salt" for potassium and mix them with Mio in a jug and drink it all day. I take Nature's Made magnesium at night (there are sooooo many options and conflicting info on what Mag is best but) this one seems to work best for me.

Ever since I've made sure to get the proper amounts of electrolytes, I have far fewer digestive, sleep and cognitive fog issues.

Problem solved

https://www.amazon.com/60832-Beistle-sombrero-sombrilla/dp/B00DY5YWGQ/ref=asc_df_B00DY5YWGQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=192263181792&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11169419806683594643&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvde...

Phone apps will typically stream rebroadcasts of radio stations - they're not actually receiving radio. Some phones have the necessary hardware to tune FM radio directly, using the headphones as an antenna. While it's not common, you may be one of the lucky few who has such a phone, and can use an app like NextRadio to utilize the FM tuner chip as a traditional radio, which would work for you here.

Another option is to go to Goodwill and see if they have a cheap walkman / boombox / other portable device that tunes radio, and just use that. Vintage!

While I realize not everyone likes cooking, I genuinely think most pancakes are not worth paying for. I will double check the with the book that this is the correct recipe when I get home, but this is the BEST thick/fluffy pancake recipe I have found. Do yourself a favor and add 1/2 to 1 tsp of lemon zest in with the liquid ingredients. We make these every single Sunday and whenever guests visit. If you like them, buy the cookbook. It's cheap and every recipe I have made from it has been awesome.

Update: Yup! This is the recipe. It’s a great basic pancake recipe. You can add lemon zest, fruit, warm spices, or whatever else you’re in the mood for and the pancakes themselves will turn out. If my husband and I have been working out a lot we make a full batch, otherwise we do 3/4 batch. Congrats on the pregnancy and I hope you find the pancakes you’re looking for!!

I've been using Private Internet Access for a couple years now and have had great luck with it. I usually get my entire ISP bandwidth (70mbps) while connected to a server that is close (they have servers in Seattle and California, so they should be quick for you). It has a nice application that you can use to connect to it rather than going into your router. Pretty sure you can pipe your router directly to it too, but I've not messed with that. /r/vpn might be a good place to poke around also.

If you're only uninsured for 3 months or less, it'll be considered a short coverage gap and you won't be penalized per the IRS:

> 22. What qualifies as a short coverage gap? In general, a gap in coverage that lasts less than three months qualifies as a short coverage gap. If you have more than one short coverage gap during a year, the short coverage gap exemption only applies to the first gap.If you have a coverage gap of 3 months or more, you are not exempt for any of those months. If you do not have coverage for a continuous period that begins in one taxable year and ends in the next, for purposes of applying the short coverage gap rules to the first taxable year, the months in the second taxable year included in the continuous period are not counted. For purposes of applying the short coverage gap rules to the second year, the months in the first taxable year are counted. For example, if you lacked coverage from November 1, 2015 until February 1, 2016, November and December of 2015 are treated as a short coverage gap on your 2015 tax return. On your 2016 return, however, November and December of 2015 are included in the continuous period that includes January 2016. That continuous period is not less than 3 months so, on your 2016 return, January of 2016 is not an exempt month under the short coverage gap exemption.

Depending on your situation, you may qualify for other exemptions (see question 6). If not, head over to healthcare.gov and check out the FAQ there for getting health coverage outside the open Enrollment Period: https://www.healthcare.gov/screener/

Have you checked out the Marquam Nature Park? There's a few more miles of trails beyond what's part of the 4T.

https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Marquam_Nature_Park_Loop_Hike

Another good one is Ridge Trail up to the Wildwood Trail and then heading north. That area of Wildwood is really quiet and nowhere near as crowded as Pittock area. You could take the 4 up to St. Johns, walk across the bridge and get on the Ridge Trail from there.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/ridge-trail

Most brands are pretty good. Avoid Masterlock. I have Kryptonite locks but other bike specific brands should be fine. Some cheap bike locks have wafer cores which are easy to pick so make sure you get a "disk" or "disk detainer" core but basically all bike locks have them these days. Avoid "light" locks like this because they can be easily cut.

Finally, good chain locks are just as good as u-locks so pick whichever you like more.

I’d like to rock some more gravel, in fact I used to do this ride quite a bit.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28354966

It’s about twice as long as you mentioned, but fact of the matter is, it’s hard to get to good long stretches of gravel within the city, aside from saltzman/ Leif Ericsson.

Either way, I’m down for rides, either road or gravel, and of the same mentality. Perform at your level, some days are good, some days you don’t get any achievements. But that’s okay, I like to regroup at the top of the climb.

Feel free to dm me.

Man, that's tough. What were you planning to do about furniture? Just sleep on a floor? I'd also be worried that you're one car breakdown short of disaster. You're kind of veering into /r/personalfinance territory here regarding emergency funds.

Maybe get an Airbnb like this for the first month or two, but I don't know how much more you could save up in the meantime.

I see you did some heavy biking last time. Will you be here during the World Naked Bike Ride? That's on June 24 and is the biggest one in the world (planners are trying to make it smaller so it doesn't start near downtown anymore). If that's your thing and you're seeking memories. http://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/02/world_naked_bike_ride_announce_1.html

Also, there is now a new bike share system called Biketown. There's a Group On coupon running right now with three 24 hour passes for $24. Or, support a local bike shop and rent them out. Just make sure you study the boundary map if you go with Biketown. Coupons: https://www.groupon.com/biz/portland/biketown-portland-bike-share-nob-hill

I see you did Voodoo last time. As you probably know, it's a tourist trap and very average. Blue Star is better, and there's conveniently one at the airport (Hawthorne + downtown also). Pip's is pretty good too.

A couple newer breweries and taprooms that I'm aware of:

-Great Notion Brewing. Award winning and in high demand. On Alberta St.

-Double Mountain on Woodstock. They are based out of Hood River and this is a new taproom they opened up locally. Mighty fine pizza.

-Ross Island Brewery. Spanking new (I've yet to visit).

-Breakside Brewing just opening a new location in Slabtown. Its near a couple taprooms too.

-Wayfinder in inner SE. Outdoor patio seats a ton of people.

When you're leaving PDX, you should know that you can legally fill up a growler at Rogue and I think one other location in the airport and take that with you to Minneapolis.

> we are done with Chicago winters and taxes...

Uh, are you sure about that?

1, we have one of the highest state income tax rates in the country, almost 10%. Oh and property taxes are also suuuuper fucking high (I paid about 10K this year). You don't pay sales tax but unless you're spending your entire salary each year on things that would have sales tax, it doesn't make a dent.

2, our winters are also pretty shitty. We don't have snow like chicago but we have no sun for 9 months. And rain. Constant rain and overcast. If you need sunlight, you're going to suffer. You'll probably need to take a vitamin d supplement and fish oil and exercise to keep from getting seasonal affective disorder.

Here's our current forecast and it's par for the course:

https://www.wunderground.com/forecast/us/or/portland?cm_ven=localwx_10day

Rain rain rain for the next 10 days. And it will not end until mid-April. So be prepared for that.

cherry hill nj forecast for this week

• today's peak 4pm
• sunday 4pm
• monday 6pm
• tuesday 4-6pm
• wednesday 2pm
• thursday 6pm
• friday 4pm
• saturday 4pm

houston tx forecast this week: * today, peaked 6pm * sunday 6pm * monday 2-4pm (late day rain) * tuesday 2-4pm (late day rain) * wednesday 6-8pm * thursday 4pm * friday 4pm * saturday 2-4pm

and dallas tx forecast this week: * today, peaked 6pm * sunday 4-6pm * monday 4pm * tuesday 4-6pm * wednesday 6pm * thursday 4-6pm * friday 4-6pm * saturday 6pm

There's at least one moderate, clearly marked snowshoe trail that runs right around Government Camp, per this map. I've for sure snowshoed through that immediate area, though I can't remember the exact details. I also highly recommend the White River snow park area, about 10 minutes drive from Govvy.

Oregon Historical Society and Scrap are great suggestions.

I found a cool map from 1897 on this website that I got printed: http://www.oldmapsonline.org/en/Portland,_Oregon

Which you can download in high res and then get printed - hopefully by a local Portland print shop, like ColorHausPDX.

You may also have luck with a ladder and the Photo Scan app from Google --- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.photos.scanner&hl=en_US&gl=US

It's intended for "documents" or "photos" and works by taking multiple photos from slightly different positions as you move your phone around and then mooshes them all together editing out glare and creases and such. If you've got a ladder, it's free and worth the 20 minutes' effort?

I'm also on a chip hunt looking for the finalists of Lays' "Do Me a Flavor" campaign, so I've been all over and can pretty confidently say Xxtra Flamin' Hot Cheetos aren't at Safeway or Fred Meyer.

Not sure where that even leaves us. Albertsons? Minimarts? If you want to pay a pretty penny, you can find them on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SUSDR90/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_.UPYvbXCTM9GP

My fave is the Habanero! There is a 3 pack AARDVARK on Amazon for $21.99, has 3 flavors including the Habanero, good deal!

I think best is relative to the person. I personally use Transit app for arrivals and the official Trimet app for on-the-fly tickets, but I normally have a monthly pass.

Park near Downtown St. Johns (under the bridge itself is safe) and run over the bridge towards forest park and enter there -- https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/north-forest-park-loop-via-st-johns-bridge

From that entry you can access Lief Erickson trail which opens the door to the whole trail system for you.

ABoy in Hillsdale has a lot that’s open on weekends that is a fundraiser for Ida B Wells high school

here’s the info

Longer answer: if your income is below a certain level, you can get on Medicaid (Oregon Health Plan) for low or no cost. If you don't qualify for that, you might qualify for a federal subsidy on a policy sold through healthcare.gov.

If you still can't get health insurance, you might be able to claim exemption from the penalty: https://www.healthcare.gov/health-coverage-exemptions/exemptions-from-the-fee/

I know that you've already done the hike by now, but I resource that I really like for recent trail reports is Alltrails. You can view reports and recordings without being a member or paying for it. The Tamanawas Falls Trail page here has reports of people who have hiked it as recently as 2 days ago.

Well aren’t you lovely!

OP, regarding dog mountain - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/dog-mountain-trail

If you’re looking for casual, shorter hikes, I’d recommend Wahclella Falls, Latourell Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls in the gorge. You could do all three on a lil day trip :)

For only $50, you can rent a tent in someone's backyard... (Actually, it looks like a pretty comfy tent, and it comes with access to the house's amenities, breakfast, and a hot tub, so maybe not a bad deal if you're into that sort of thing.)

When we were here visiting last year while house hunting my wife and I stayed here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/720796#host-profile. Lisa was a really great host. The 'cottage' is a two story garage that has been turned into an ADU. It's definitely small, but it's insulated/drywalled and carpeted up in the bedroom. Bathroom and kitchen downstairs. Bed is comfortable and she makes an amazing breakfast for you every morning as part of your stay.

It's about a block from SE Division so you can get on the 4 bus in minutes and is about a 5 minute walk to the entrance to Mt. Tabor park. Definitely not for more than 2 people but if you want affordable and pleasant and in a nice neighborhood, it's a good spot.

I'm not a seasoned hiker at all but I recently stumbled upon the all trails app and i think it might be what your looking for. Tons of user reviews (5-star rating system) and has always served me well in finding a new trail to explore. Highly recommend it!

For hiking, you'll be pretty close to the west hills so you could do this and also explore Forest Park. If you have a car, go out to the gorge. I just hope you like getting wet. It will probably be in the 40s and raining, or possibly even drop into the 30s or below, and dark at 5pm.

Otherwise there's plenty of bars and restaurants on NW 21st and 23rd, and Bailey's Taproom and Deschutes are worth visiting downtown. Here's a recently published list of the 101 best restaurants.

I don't go to the hairdresser but I've seen many personal recommendations about aestheticians etc on nextdoor. Try asking there. Good luck with your interview.

This book has been awesome. Gives hikes to check out each month, based on the weather, all within 2 hours of Portland. Highly recommend! Fires have knocked out a couple mentioned so just be sure to research the trail or area first before venturing out.

Pdx Hiking 365: A Year-Round Guide to Hiking in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington https://www.amazon.com/dp/098891252X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_NBKR5YAWJYBKRXX4VZBH

You can find in Powell’s too.

You can order a drug test kit off Amazon. I used to test my MDMA pills with those type of kits, even if my connect would vouch.

Here are the molds we bought. Also, store the gummies in your fridge so they don't get gooey!

I’m in Austin, but I tried poking around on the internet for you. It may not be ideal, but it looks like you can get an 18 pack on Amazon with one-day Prime shipping, so you should get it tomorrow! x

Edit: I just tested that link in a browser I’m not signed in on and it doesn’t have the prime badge when I’m not logged in, I hope it’s there for you!

I frequently forget to brush my hair or use conditioner. The best thing I’ve found to use is squalene oil. Take a shower and then after you get out put this in your hair. It makes brushing really easy. I have to warn you though it doesn’t soak in. After your hair drys it will look greasy. Will require a shower after all brushed out, which is annoying. https://www.amazon.com/Squalane-100-Pure-60-mL/dp/B003MJG19K/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Squalane+Oil&qid=1608503419&sr=8-3

Here you go! Written by Kati’s co-founder.

Edit: Not a restaurant cookbook, but the Minimalist Baker is Portland-based and has a vegan cookbook called “Everyday Cooking” that I like a lot!

Why not buy online?

I just recently purchased a pretty great laptop on amazon for 650. It can run pretty much anything I've tried. I can send you an Amazon link with the specs. You could save a lot of money.

edit:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015PYYDMQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For sure dude! Most auto parts places will lend tools too. I’d bet probably a 10mm socket would be all that’s needed. Checkout the YouTube videos on it and they’ll most likely say.
Here’s the part on amazon. Four Seasons 75060 Flanged Vented CCW Blower Motor w/Wheel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MXNURGG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bfnLFbA0YX0NM 75060 seems to be the part number. You can also call a Honda dealership parts counter and ask for it to be double sure.
Found it locally at autozone for $54.

Welcome to the wonderful world of bike commuting, we’re happy to have you! For a lock you’ll want a short and thick u-lock for the frame and a cable lock for wheels/accessories. Kryptonite makes some great products I highly recommend. Definitely make sure you read up on proper locking methods (https://www.kryptonitelock.com/en/proper-lockup-landing/bicycle-lock-up-bike.html), it might seem like a lot but it’s worth it to take care of your equipment. As far as lights go I have great success with this(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IO12ZPO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iaYxDbJ27Z7E5Cygolite) set I bought on Amazon. It’s bright, waterproof, the battery lasts a long time, and it has plenty of different settings. Definitely take pictures of your bike and record all identifying information (including the serial) and keep it somewhere safe. r/bikecommuting has lots of great tips, stay dry out there!

We picked Beaverton because we wanted a suburb with light rail access, lower crime, and decent city services. It's been good on all counts, for us. There's less to do out here, but we're both home bodies. Pre-covid, we only went out once a week or so, and getting into Portland once a week for fun isn't bad. Beaverton really doesn't have much of a night life or all that many activities. If you need to commute into Portland, it's pretty awful, but if you make that trip when you want to, it's not bad.

The light rail line, the Max, works well in some instances. If there's anything we want to do that's within walking distance of a Max stop, we take the Max. We weren't pubic transit people before, but it really is handy. (Here's the app I use for navigating transit).

I have several pairs of Tretorn GoreTex hi-top sneakers. They are awesome for walking in Portland in winter. Keeps you dry and they look dope. I bought a pair at REI a few years ago and loved them so much I got every colour they had online.

I've had a Honeywell HPA 300 for about a year and a half and keep it in the living area of my apartment. It's fabulous and has worked well for me.

Bike + a trailer:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCK79Y76

Throw some plastic storage tubs in the trailer, secure them with bungie cords, and hope the whole rig doesn't get stolen while you're in the store.

Other folks are talking about delivery services, but to be honest, by the time you add up the delivery fee plus tip, you could just rent a U-Haul truck for the day. $20 + $1.09 a mile.

By comparison, my last Instacart order:

Delivery Fee $3.99
Tip $22.00
Service Fee $7.70

I would have driven, but I was stuck at home fighting kidney stones. :(

Well in Kenton (neighborhood in N Portland) we have the Paul Bunyan Statue which may still be dressed up. Nearby is the "world famous" Kenton Club--It was mentioned in a Raquel Welch movie.

If you search this sub for "visiting" you'll probably see lots of random stuff that you can glean for oddball factor. I would say to try to avoid the long lines at Voodoo by going at some off-peak hour too, but the line itself might be part of the kitsch factor.

These are the GOAT of ear plugs. I have sensory issues, I’m also just very sensitive and anything can wake me. Many ear plugs fall out of my ears. These are comfy, stay in, and block noise really really well. I have tried them all. Flents Ear Plugs, 10 Pair with... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WWMJTG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I also recommend an air filter running while sleeping, heavy drapes, and I might try the winterizing plastic on windows- not sure if they would help but perhaps having that trapped air will help limit sound some. I’m so sorry I hate those dang gas leaf blowers.

These have really helped me. They are softer than some others I tried so I can wear them longer comfortably. Mack's Original Soft Foam... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005XJ4FX6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I've used this lamp for a few years now and I've had pretty good luck with it! lamp

Coming from a handy"man": No permit needed. To replace what you have there tools you till need at a minimum: circular saw (hand saw if you feel like getting a massive workout), hammer, measuring tape, and a car to transport the materials. Youtube is your best friend when it comes to these things - it does not take a lot of calculus to get the job done. Just patience and a willingness to try. If you don't want to do it yourself - you are welcome to DM me and I can help you out.

I also have had good success with these: more DIY friendly

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z4G7MB8/ref=twister\_B0B9727ZRT?\_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Also - congrats on the home purchase. The university of Youtube will be very helpful in your homeowner ship

I just noticed it was windy as fuck here in Portland and assumed it would be even worse in the Gorge, but you could check the weather in nearby Corbett OR. Looks like it will be nice this evening.

Sure! It's these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S73G4TR/ You can also get replacement light units for cheap if they burn out (it's just a little piece that sits on top of the lantern) but mine haven't yet.

Literally found our first about three days ago. Wife distracted it in the front by jabbing a big stick toward it yelling while I snucked up behind with the bug catcher.

Also, to everyone in this thread, buy this: https://www.amazon.com/Carson-Quick-Release-Catching-Magnifier-Children/dp/B000JQ5AZK/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=The+Best+Bug+Catcher&qid=1664286471&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjAyIiwicXNhIjoiMy4xMiIsInFzcCI6IjMuMDQifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-5

​

No squish, no mess, no touching. Just collecting the fucking bug and then releasing it wherever you want. I do wish it was a bit bigger. It was a challenge to fit that big ass spider in it. Also, those big centipedes here are a challenge to catch in it too.

I have wide feet and got some identical to that on Amazon. The heel is a little higher, and I cannot do high heels, but these I could seriously run in. Here they are.

Ha, we have a stock tank in our bathroom.

They make very affordable tubs that can sit in your shower, kind of like a poor man's ofuro.

there's a lot of great options in this book: https://www.amazon.com/One-Night-Wilderness-Convenient-Backcountry/dp/0899974635

​

but obviously you should buy this from a local retailer instead of amazon. they may give you better tips too!

If you're fine with it talking extra time vs drive. Trimet is pretty good. Walk or bike to bus stop then to max for longer

max Orange line in Milwaukee to PCC Willow creek station takes about 1h 20 mins. Good time to study or catch up on things.

Just know only a few bus routes have 24h service. Max and most busses are not in service 1am to 5am

Get the hop fast pass app. To pay for tickets and route planning if wanted does show buses in real time. Service interruptions and more https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.trimet.mt.accounts

Make a virtual hop card card to Google wallet or apple pay. Load some $ on it. $5 pass for all day. Max and bus busses all have tap and pay spots.

When I use trimet i just Google maps my desired location and click the bus icon to navigate via bus. To get route options and times.

i mean, can you work a wrench and a screwdriver? you can get a cold water only version for like $20 and install it yourself in 30min.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CGVBZGL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you're still looking, I'd suggest getting a bidet attachment like in the below link.

https://www.amazon.com/Astor-Non-Electric-Mechanical-Attachment-CB-1000/dp/B003TPGPUW

A blind dead dog could install one of those things, and they work just fine for the purpose. It's cold water only, but again, bone simple to get installed if she's got someone helping.

I replaced the standard cap on my sewer cleanout port with a dog poop disposal cap. Easy to unscrew, you drop the dogshit into the sewer line leading out, you spray it off & screw the cap back on. No more plastic waste.

I have 3 Goldens. So much dogshit…. Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0020N940C?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_03YGAHXPWGMZ99KK9AYJ

I do the same as you. I have a 5 gallon bucket with a trash liner in it and I wait until it is disgustingly full. I hate it, but I can't use an individual bag for every poop.

If you own your property and are comfortable with a natural solution, the Doggie Dooley seems pretty popular:

https://smile.amazon.com/Doggie-Dooley-Original-Ground-Disposal/dp/B00WMMMIX6

It's literally composting the shit in the soil.

For me, I think I'm just going to upgrade my bucket to something like this (but hopefully sourced locally):

https://smile.amazon.com/BINO-Stainless-Steel-Gallon-Galvanized/dp/B00WEW570U

The struggle is real, but I'll step out from the ranks and say "thank you" for caring about your dog's shit in the first place. Far too many don't.

I got a mattress from IKEA that was pretty cheap and has been great. I bought a one of these foam toppers to put on top of it and my god, getting into bed every night has been a top priority of mine for years now.

I bought the topper for $65 in 2018, I'm shocked that the price has increased so much. I'm sure you can find cheaper.

I've got a couple of these rugs

And they are really great. We have a spendier ones from Pets on Broadway that we got as a gift, but they work equally well.

I just recently moved into an old apartment here, and have the same problems. It's entirely based on how much the previous owners wanted to spend on updates, not a regional thing. Grab a couple of things like this and you'll be set: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H24FW81/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_RDTFNP79AQZQCREJWFP2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

As for a bathroom fan, maybe get a small window fan? Assuming you have outlets in there, I've got one but it's built into the light fixture 🤷

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09FSS1S9V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got this on amazon and use it in my apartment bathroom! It's a great solution.

If you carry a wallet you could consider one of these little multi-tools somewhat useful in that situation. Not really immediately at the ready but relatively quick to grab.

The board game night is a great idea. My GF and I moved here about a month ago, and we finally went to check it out last night. A bit of awkwardness being the new kids and finding a game, but good time overall.

We met some folks, got introduced to King's Forge and Libertalia, and generally had a good time.

Maybe the link below will help? I don’t think the math works like you warned...

I’m asking because I don’t really get all this stuff. Thank you

wunderground link

Typically no but it has been a strange year. I would have chains in your car just in case.

These from wal-mart are my go to chains they are cheaper than getting them at a tire store and FAR better.

Make sure you get the right size for your car

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Peerless-Auto-Trac-Truck-Tire-Chains/19853287

I use hotels.com - even for local hotels ... you can see reviews by others, and you get discounts and after 10 stays, you get a night free.

Whenever there were snow days (or I was working a double shift) I would stay at one of the hotels near the airport, you can get some good deals, and they are near the MAX which can take you anywhere. I like La Quinta but there are spendier ones as well. You can take the hotel shuttle to the airport and jump on the MAX right there

Ive used hotels.com for several years now. When the ice storm hit, I went on there and found a hilton hotel for under $100 - and they were fantastic. Also with hotels.com you get free rooms after so many (I think its 10). You can look at what other users have said about the hotel and lots of photos and all the fine print. I havent gotten a bad hotel yet from them.

Jerky is expensive AF, but is actually easy to make yourself. Buy a food dehydrator and keep an eye out for meat specials (London broil, flank steak, top round all work great), buy in bulk, make in bulk. I would also suggest investing in a jerky gun low fat ground turkey or beef makes excellent jerky.

1 Gallon Distiller on Amazon. I’m pretty sure all but a tiny fraction of the water ends up distilled. There’s no steam or anything, and only a little bit of water and minerals left in the distiller. It puts out a fair amount of heat, so there’s certainly some cost. But the convenience and security of not running out of and needing to buy distilled water for my CPAP makes up for it.

There’s currently a Groupon for theyogacollective.com which has tons of yoga classes of different levels you can stream online! I find it helpful if I’m too tired to go to a class after work but still want a workout. Currently, they have month and year deals. This can help you build up your confidence with yoga so you can feel comfortable going somewhere else! Sending you the best of luck (and f*** what other people think!!!)!

Yes. Amsterdam is known for slightly cold, wet winters but snow is rare like here. Like us, their climate is oceanic. Here's their current 10 day forecast: https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/NLXX0002:1:NL I have been there around New Years, and everyone and their mom was biking despite the rain and temps in the 40's. I'm talking kids, seniors, everyone. They have a bicycle network that would blow your mind with features that don't even exist in North America. They have clearly invested, plus they're saving billions of dollars in reduced health care burdens due to the cycling providing a much healthier population than most cities (a Switzerland study showed that the city of Portland is also saving up to several hundred million dollars in avoided health care burdens due to our current bike infrastructure).

Vancouver BC also has near identical weather to Portland. Starting in 2011, they tripled their bicycle mode share in 5 years by making 24% of their entire bicycle network protected (mostly in what was parking lanes). They now have an 11% bicycle mode share (tops in North America), and while our mode share in Portland has flatlined at 6-7% due to lack of protected lanes, theirs is rising annually while the % of car commuters has dropped. Go figure.

If you want to stay in town:

Lower Macleay to pittock mansion (skip the tour of the mansion and walk to the edge of the property for the views) is a moderate 5 mile hike which meanders along a pretty creek, passes a witches castle and has amazing views once up top. The trailhead is a bit up from the nw 23rd shopping district (you could take a Lyft? Or maybe there’s a bus, I don’t know), so it would be easy to pair with a lunch in that area. Also, the Audubon society is a very short diversion about halfway up the trail with more little trails on their property, four rescue birds, a cute gift shop and bathrooms. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/lower-macleay-park-to-pittock-mansion

Hoyt Arboretum is lovely with many trails (stop by visitor center up there for maps) and you could stop by the rose gardens on the way up or down for magnificent views on a clear day. Have fun!

I would look for hiking trails, and there are some that are flat and paved that are good for running routes.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=45.61932046777893&b_tl_lng=-122.93632507324217&b_br_lat=45.42086519967432&b_br_lng=-122.41207122802734

I do most of my day hikes in trail running type shoes, but if you're on a trail that consists of a lot of small rocks to walk on (pretty common here), flexible-soled shoes really let you feel it. A boot with a firm sole is very much preferable after a few miles of that jazz.

Sullivan is a good resource to start with but it can be rather outdated. I have a copy sitting on my shelf and I haven't bothered referencing it in a few years. I prefer online info, OregonHikers.org or AllTrails. It sucks driving out somewhere and finding that the trail's been closed or whatever.

This is about 6 miles, can get moderately steep, is an out and back path so you can don't have to go the entire way, and has a great view from the Pittock Mansion

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/lower-macleay-park-to-pittock-mansion

AirBnB There's alot of controversy surrounding AirBnB on /r/Portland, but it looks like its probably your best bet.

Buy this feeder (Portland Nursery stocks them, too) and mix 4 cups water to 1 cup sugar. Hang it near your new friend. Clean the feeder and change the water every 2 weeks. Embrace your new life.

Yaktrax Walk Traction Cleats for Walking on Snow and Ice (1 Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CZJIPA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YFR098J4Z0CDRGJG4DG6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Buy Yak Tracks. They come in handy at least once a winter in Portland

I recently got these low profile cable chains for my forester. If there is ice and I absolutely have to get get someplace I’m looking forward to trying them out.

I’ve heard the socks wear out pretty fast if you drive on pavement and I’ve found conditions can change every few hundred yards.