"It's Got Great Bones."

After nearly two months as a Portlandian, a few observations about our new fair city:

1. Recycling: no laughing matter. So, when you move to Portland they give you FOUR, yes FOUR, plastic bins. Blue for recycling plastic, paper, and metal. Green for yard debris and compost. Yellow for glass. And grey for trash. Please take note that your grey container should be nearly empty, and the others should be overflowing. Now let's just pretend that you just moved here from a place that didn't have city recycling, and you make a mistake. You put a glass bottle from a Who-Dat-Party in the blue bin. You put a piece of paper towel in the green bin, because - well, it's compost-able. You think that wood is yard debris and stick that in the green bin as well. The next day, after the various trucks roll through your street, you will find your misplaced items littered all over your lawn. The message is clear: you didn't recycle properly, and now you will be publicly disgraced. This method is quite effective in getting you to think twice about where those eggshells should go. (Green bin.)

2. "It's Got Great Bones." People in Portland say this. A lot. When we were first looking at our house, THREE different people came in, looked around and said, "wow, this house has great bones." Then yesterday, someone came over to look at our yard and commented that it too had great bones. Now I consider this to a compliment: that at its core, our house and yard have some redeemable qualities. But think about if you were at the doctor's office and he gave you a thorough exam and came back with that analysis: great bones. Nothing else. The organs, nerves, hormones, skin, hair, etc could all use some work -- but the bones? Perfect.

3. Tights and boots, tights and boots, tights and boots. Oh and a hat. Handspun from organic wool, please. If you are coming to Portland and want to know what to wear, this is it. You need only two items. It's actually a very cute look, and all Portland females are sporting some version of it. Floppy black skirts with red boots. Long green skirts with brown boots. White wool skirts with black boots. Thigh high pointy boots, low moccasin boots, cowboy boots, shiny boots, rain boots, lace up boots, pull on boots, all with ubiquitous cotton tights popping out of the tops. Everywhere.

4. Pedestrians, babies and dogs rule the earth. And if you are a mom, walking a dog and pushing (or wearing) a baby at the same time, all cars will stop and bow down to you. Seriously.

5. The end of the plastic bag. I don't know when the last time I got a plastic bag was. You specifically have to ask for them if you want them, and then, you almost feel bad. They used to overflow from my cabinet under the sink, and now, I don't have one in the house. Everything is just put in your basket directly, no matter what delicate goods you may be carting. If you've got a problem with that, bring your own...

6. Produce sidewalks. If you walk around our neighborhood, instead of bright flowers or hedges lining yards, you will instead see: garlic, kale, spinach, chives, and herbs. Gardens sprout alongside the street, beautiful, bountiful and probably delicious. Have I thought about "borrowing" a sprig of rosemary as I walk by when I need one for a recipe and don't want to schlep over to the store? Um, yes. I have controlled myself so far, but it's only been two months. The neighbors may have to put their produce under lock and key...

So, all in all it's a big, funny change. We may be the least "green" people on the block, but we did only get one thing thrown back in our yard this week by the recycling truck. It's a start.