One Sunday we  took a leisurely drive from our St. Helens home near the Columbia River to the historic town of Vernonia. Winding our way from the flat lands up towards the gossamer clouds it would be easy to pretend we were entering  Misty Mountain territory from Lord of the Rings. It takes about an hour to travel the twisting thirty-one miles into tall-tree country. (That is if you don’t stop for pictures) Vernonia’s history is rooted in the timber industry. Magnificent gian

Portland, Oregon is a virtual epicurean wonderland ! And we are trying our best to take full advantage of all opportunites every time we have a chance to be there. In our short visit, we were treated to fantastic Korean food at the Be Won on North 23rd Street in the heart of downtown Portland. From their menu we were introduced to the different types of Korean food…. which can be divided into the following categories: Juk: a rice porridge often served as a restorative, can in