Ivy "Poizen" H.'s Profile

Yum, much better than most! My friends and I took home a Mendi's pie to cap off an afternoon of wine tasting. Open your own bottle of Pinot noir and enjoy.

I've been a sucker for corn mazes since I visited the Glendale Corn Maze in Moapa, Nev. for a story I wrote last year.

I just moved back to Oregon after almost 2 decades, and yesterday afternoon was my first ever trip to Sauvie Island. Perhaps I should refer to it as "soggy" island because The Maize is a giant mud pit -- the complete opposite of a Nevada cornfield, which is sparse and dusty. Unfortunately Moapa's bar burned down in the spring, but previously you could take a "beverage" into their maze, something you cannot do here.

Anyway, they did warn us, yet we weren't quite prepared for the treacherous trek within, and we specifically chose to visit The Pumpkin Patch over Sauvie Island Farms since it is dog friendly. What that meant was we took turns carrying my Pomeranian through a corn field so he didn't get mired in muck that threatened to pull your shoes from your feet.

My 12-year-old niece had a great time sliding in the slop, but halfway through my sis and I began to question the fun in struggling to stay upright, especially since she hurt her back and I have a bum knee. I know, bitch, bitch.

This probably sounds more negative than I mean it to be; I really did have a good time. It was nice to walk in the sun and fresh air amidst the towering stalks. I just wish they'd thrown down some more straw and wood chips in some places.

Afterward, we took the free hayride around the farm, then lazed out and bought our pumpkins from the well-stocked pile in front of the marketplace ($7 for the size you have to wrap your arms around). They also have a good selection of local honey priced at $7 for 32 oz (I use it for my allergies) and ears of corn were 4 for $1.

I would visit again in the summer for produce, but I fear my corn maze days may have past.

Overall I like Papa Murphy's. I like the convenience and the approximately $10 per pie price. This store's quality was consistent with my previous experiences at other locations, but the employees seemed a bit frazzled, and the gal at the register bordered on rude. Hopefully it was just a bad day; I will visit again.

Why use a faceless corporate entity when you can support local businesses?! I also love supporting women-owned businesses and this seems to be one of the best. I have a personal mailbox at this store, but they also offer all kinds of mailing/packing services as well as faxing. The nicest people you could ever meet!

I guess you could say I'm once again seeking spiritual guidance. I was baptized a Catholic, and I know this is a Catholic sanctuary, but to me is is simply a place of peace and reflection. It's one of the places I've always remembered and visit as often as I am able.

Even one of my Jewish friends agrees and is a fan of The Grotto.

Definitely give the Alcoholic Milkshakes a try and if you're a teetotaler, try the Toasted Marshmallow Shake. It has the sweet essence of a campfire without any booze.

I like the colors and shapes used in the funky, cartoonish decor.

I LOVE this market. I just moved here from Las Vegas and we didn't have anything that compares to this. It's absolutely wonderful, with loads of vegetarian and vegan options. I'm still a carnivore, but it's awesome to know these dishes are so easily accessible.

Don't let the crowd that gathers in front of the deli area throw you off, once you are past that small traffic jam the aisles are roomy and packed with great local and regional finds (such as frozen Marionberries) and other hard to locate items (Vanilla Paste like Trader Joe's carried last year).

This is no discount grocer, but I don't mind paying a bit more to support local businesses and farmers. I believe we all should.