Autumn, Day 1

While it's too early to consider all possible exceptions, it seems that Ashlanders fall into three broad classifications:

1. The locals. These descendents of the early pioneers maintain the Natty Bempo spirit of bold adventuring to tame the Wild West. They retain a fierce independence of government and civilization, and are most likely to share political views with other Oregonians, rather than Ashlanders at large. This group is most often sighted at the hardware store.

2. The hippies. Unemployed, unmotivated, and usually unshowered, these youths haunt the coffee shops and local parks. Most of the gibberish they spout aligns with their own personal interpretation of the original hippy movement, but some are prone to displays of angsty rage(e.g., threatening bodily harm to tourists). Their weaknesses are cocaine and cappuccino, and they must have generous parents funding both addictions.

3. The Ashlandites. Like pilgrims drawn to Mecca, these conscientious adults from far-flung origins are sufficiently captivated by Ashland's alternative values to uproot and make it their new home. They are inspired by the town's peace-loving hospitality and commitment to sustainable living in harmony with nature and community. They are most commonly seen working as nurses, baristas, or teachers, or spending the money earned at aforementioned occupations.

We like to think that we fall into the latter group, and thankfully so does almost everyone else we've encountered. Rachel started preschool this week, and can attest that the children of alternative Ashlandites are just as adorable and oblivious as children everywhere. They have cute New Age names like Cedar, Jules, and Hans. Montessori is proving a fascinating experience, in which the teachers (thankfully!) don’t have to spend much time screaming and scolding. Let’s just say that if Jake were half as well trained as these tiny tots, it would be a cleaner, quieter household. There are weekly Spanish and sign language lessons, for which Rachel probably has more enthusiasm than any of the children. Anyway, it’s a part-time gig on Tues, Wed, and Thurs mornings that perfectly balances her time and sanity.

Jacob’s job is still going strong—this week he is repairing a smashed cello and a banged-up dulcimer. His at-home project is carving a violin scroll from a block of wood using chisels and a handsaw. Side by side with Rachel’s slew of wool spinning and knitting equipment, our living room has become a massively messy workshop, which will likely be its permanent state (just imagine when we add canvases, paints, and drawing supplies!).

Today had the chill, warning breath of autumn, which made us vaguely long for apple pie, hot cider, and the new school year. Just a few more months to eat, play, and exercise as much as we can before our long winter hibernation.

FYI, we drove somewhere cool this weekend but forgot the camera, so that hardly does you any good. Still, we added a few photos to the Misc. Ashland album listed on the right, so be sure to check it out. Also, any guesses on the breed/species of that crazy cat we saw last week on the mountain???