The Goat Meat Diaries: "Reality Bites"

Welcome to The Goat Meat Diaries Part 2. In this segment fantasy meets reality. They clash. Reality wins.

When I arrived at the butchers to pickup our meat, I was asked to pay twice the amount quoted to me. Shocked, I asked why. The I was told about some 'charges' that the butcher claimed he was sure he told me in advance. Trust me, he didn't.

Stunned into compliance, I mutely handed over my last $85, took my box and went home.

I'm sure your wondering what $85 of goat meat looks like. VERY LITTLE. I could have bought 3x the amount of meat at the grocery store for the same price.

Thus, I am obliged to think of these little butcher-wrapped packages as a specialty item. After all, the price per pound was phenomenal.

Is it good? Yes! What does it taste like? A lot like venison.

I learned a valuable lessons from this experience:

1. Don't just take their word for it, get your quote in writing

2. If your female, take your husband with you to pick it up.

3. If they try to charge you too much, just tell them to keep it and walk
away.

In short, do the opposite of what I did. :)

no harm done,

Ellen

What to do in Oregon When the Weather is Bad

This is a subject near and dear to my heart, because so many people complain about the weather here. Out-of-staters often wonder if we Oregonians stand around in 2 feet of water all year. In fact, so many jokes have been made about Oregon's weather it was the subject of many popular t-shirts a couple of decades ago.

Although we certainly have our rainy seasons here, (Spring and Fall) the climate is gorgeously mild. I personally think that affords more outdoor activity opportunities than places where heavy snow and extreme heat are common.

Here are some lovely outings/activities for the rainy and cold months of the Southern Coast:

1. Hiking: Put on a rain jacket and some boots if necessary. The air smells fresh and fantastic during the colder months.You'll feel energized and beat the winter blues.

2. Go crabbing: During the Fall and Winter the famous Dungeness crabs have full body meat. Dress warm, bring a thermos, chairs, a picnic lunch and a good book. At the end of the day, you'll have a crab feast to reward your efforts.

3. Fishing: Okay, this isn't for everyone. But if your just needing out of the house, it could be fun.

4. Beach Combing: Although our rocky coast breaks up many shells, there are beaches where excellent specimens can be found. Locals with 4-wheelers know where to find lovely unbroken sand dollars. The beaches between Coos Bay and Bandon are great for agate-hunters.

5. Artisan Glass Floats: The City of Florence hosts a program that hides hand blown glass floats on local beaches. They are 'planted' throughout the year and each one is both exotically lovely and completely original. Search Florence beaches for these beauties.

6. Mushroom Hunting: Yes, I've said this a hundred times before and I'll keep saying it. It's fun, good exercise and has tasty results. Just be sure to use caution and common sense.

7. Country Driving: One of my absolute favorite things to do. Why? Because so much of this area's beauty is down old country roads. Just take one and discover things you have never seen before.

8. Photography: The waves this time of year are big. Go get some pics of the awesome spray that shoots into the air when a large wave hits a tall outcropping of rock. Beautiful!

9. Surf: You won't catch me doing this, but for the young and adventurous it is a local favorite.

This is far from an exhaustive list, but it will get you started. The key to enjoying life is enjoying yourself no matter what the weather is like. Stop complaining and go have fun!

Happy New Year,
-E