About Aurora, OR:

"With it's lush rural setting, the village of Aurora welcomes visitors with a glimpse into the 19th century. As Oregon's first National Historic District, the town's distinctive original architecture is home to a first-class museum complex and an unrivaled antique shopping experience that earns its designation as the state's antique capital.

Settled in 1856 as a German Christian community whose members traveled over the Oregon Trail, the Aurora 'Colony' was the only successful western communal society of the time. Known for delicious German cooking, fine orchards and famous brass bands, the village became both a destination and a crossroads for travel in the Willamette Valley." -- from a brochure published by the Aurora Area Chamber of Commerce

It's a funny little town, no doubt. Those brass bands and the German cooking must have moved on because I haven't heard one trombone, nor have I seen a single scrap of schpatzel. There is, however, the Colony Pub with its "Taco Tuesdays" and occasional live music. There is also a historical museum (run by Kristen's mom) and two churches. This Sunday the museum is having its 33rd Annual Strawberry Social to which hundreds of people flock for all-you-can-eat strawberry shortcake. Kristen and I will be "slinging strawberries" during this event (i.e.- serving strawberry shortcake in one of three manifestations: on a biscuit, on cake, or on vanilla ice cream).

Other amusing things about Aurora: 1) up the street, at the quilting shop, they have a weekly "sit and sew"; 2) there is a police station, but their operating hours are 9 to 5... no crime after five!; 3) the fire department is on volunteer status (an air-raid-style siren wails when the volunteers are needed); and 4) many of the Aurorans are "Farmies" (a cult that owns a large plot of land outside town where they work and eat communally). I'm sure there are more things that I just haven't discovered yet. I'll be sure to report them when I do.

On the job front... Kristen has been working some hours at "The Mill" (an architectural salvage shop selling antiques). The only job I've had so far was to weed the flower beds at the museum so it would look purdy for the Strawberry Social. Last night I flyered the neighborhood, advertising my "Rent-A-Son" service. No calls yet. Today I'm going to contact all of the surrounding breweries... please hire me!

--RP--