Sign reading "The Skeleton Key Odditorium"

The Skeleton Key Odditorium is Keeping Portland Weird

October 9, 2026, Leave a Comment on The Skeleton Key Odditorium is Keeping Portland Weird

Portland’s unofficial motto is “Keep Portland Weird” something stolen from Austin, Texas. And Portland certainly marches to the beat of its own drum. One place that is helping keep Portland weird is the Skeleton Key Odditorium, a 2,500 square foot museum filled with oddities, spooky treasures, and best of all, a spirit board collection. Visitors pass…

Myself seated on a bench just outside the roller rink above you can see the pipe organ that hangs above the rink.

Oaks Park: One of the Last Trolley Parks is Home to America’s Oldest Roller Rink

October 7, 2026, Leave a Comment on Oaks Park: One of the Last Trolley Parks is Home to America’s Oldest Roller Rink

Located on the banks of the Willamette River is a true treasure of Portland, Oaks Amusement Park. Not only is it one of America’s oldest amusement parks, it is home to the oldest roller rink in the United States. In 1905 the Portland area was gearing up for the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition. Meanwhile…

Myself, wearing a white t-shirt, with a jean vest over, and jean shorts, standing in front of a Springfield Police car that has crashed into a lamppost in front of Lard Lad Donuts.

Greetings from Springfield

January 22, 2020, 5 Comments

When Disney purchased 20th Century Fox, they also acquired the rights to The Simpsons. Which leaves the future of Springfield at Universal Studios a little uncertain. So, I decided it was high time to give Springfield its moment to shine here on the blog, because, honestly, the theming is pretty good, and gives a decent…

Long Form: Reasons for and the Transition To California

July 10, 2017, 13 Comments

When I asked what you wanted to see on the blog, someone asked to share our transition to Southern California from Oregon, and discuss if there were any regrets, differences between the two locals, and any tips for those thinking of moving. I’ve been working on this post for awhile, but was on the fence…

Greetings from Portland

March 27, 2017, Leave a Comment on Greetings from Portland

Patrick and I are in Portland for a couple of days for his work, and I tagged along to spend some time with friends, see my dad, and do a bit of shopping. I felt it was a perfect opportunity to share more of my vintage postcard collection! This time I bring you vintage Portland…

A Return to the Rose City

November 3, 2014, 4 Comments

After only a month in Orange, Patrick and I had to make a trip back to Portland. Our trip was mainly for a friend’s wedding, but also for Patrick’s work, and it also happened to fall around the time of the October antique show at Portland’s Expo Center. I honestly didn’t find too much at…

Aloha Portland

September 10, 2014, 17 Comments

In this case, “Aloha” means “Goodbye”. Last night Patrick and I had a small going-away party at one of our favorite bars in town, Hale Pele. The fabulous tiki atmosphere I felt was fitting as we were traveling to a more tropical climate, and it gave me a very good excuse to wear my new-to-me…

Cupcakes & Cowboys

July 3, 2014, 13 Comments

Oh my, it’s been awhile hasn’t it? Well, truth be told, I really haven’t been feeling all that great. I had a recent visit to the dentist and I’ll spare you the unpleasantness, but I was in a bit of pain. Then shortly after I wrenched my neck somehow! So I just wasn’t in the…

“Tell ’em Howard Hughes Said So”

June 23, 2014, 17 Comments

Over the weekend one of my favorite movies showed at The Hollywood, Disney’s The Rocketeer. It was an early afternoon screening, so I decided to go for a more casual look, instead of getting gussied up. The Rocketeer remains one of my favorite films over the years for its endearing characters and great story, and while…

Go for Launch

April 9, 2014, 5 Comments

Last night Patrick and I got a pleasant mid-week treat, one of our favorite bands, The Phenomenauts, who I’ve blogged about before, rolled into town for an evening of space themed rockabilly. I never get tired of seeing these guys. They always put on a great show, complete with lasers, fire extinguishers and a toilet…