It should be raining. At least that’s what my Oregon-born-and-bred DNA is shouting. I’ve actually had to water the garden. Twice. Which normally doesn’t happen until after the annual oh-so-Portland Rose Festival, which normally gets the last inundation of spring rains, giving way to long, sunny summers.

But who am I to complain? Roses are in full bloom, raised beds, farmers’ markets and local CSAs are booming with early produce and salad greens, and it looks like the Republican Party isn’t long for this (or any other) world. Fingers crossed.

When you do venture to the farmers’ market for your weekly supply of vegetables, neighborly gossip and your favorite coffee and pastry, Beaverton Farmers Market manager Ginger Rapport has sage advice on strategies to get the most value from your trip. I know I can’t resist the siren song of early summer vegetables, including my new favorites. leeks, which I’ve been incorporating into soups, pizza and this fabulously simple crustless quiche, which is also perfect for the tender spears of local asparagus you’ll find right now on market tables.

Speaking of fresh produce and gardens, Growing Gardens, a local organization working to teach every Oregonian how to grow and harvest their own produce, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of what they refer to as “Radical Gardening.” My friend Peggy Acott tells its remarkable story.

We’ve managed to take a couple of road trips out of town recently, one earlier this spring to explore the rainforest along the central Washington coast with a side trip to Lake Quinalt and its historic lodge. The second trip with friends was a ramble up the Hood Canal that I’ll be writing up in the near future, so stay tuned.

And if you haven’t heard, the Portland elk has returned to its place at the center of the city, and my friend Keith Lachowicz was in charge of getting it back up on its pedestal. Portland thanks you, Keith!

I hope all of you are finding joy in getting outside in this gorgeous weather. I am thankful for all of you, and am especially grateful for the subscribers on Patreon who support this source of news you can’t find anyplace else. Considering the challenges we’re all facing, a nominal subscription is even more treasured.

Thanks for reading!

Best,

Kathleen Bauer