Parents Use Medical Marijuana for Son’s Autistic Rage

A family in Oregon is using a non-traditional source of medication to manage their son’s medical conditions. He is severely autistic, and has had incidents of rage. He also has Tuberous Sclerosis. The parents are using medical marijuana as a form of treatment. Alex Echols is eleven years old. He is severely autistic, and has exhibited self-destructive behavior. This behavior has been described as rage. Alex also has Tuberous Sclerosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a complex and rare genetic disease. It causes benign (or noncancerous) lesions to grow in many parts of the body. The lesions can … Continue reading

Oregon Genealogy Resources

The state of Oregon has been given the nickname “The Beaver State”. Have you ever heard the phrase “Busy as a Beaver”? That’s how many genealogists are when they are doing research on their ancestors – very busy! Are you looking for more information about ancestors that lived in Oregon? Here are a few Oregon genealogy resources to start with. FamilySearch has a Wiki Page about the state of Oregon. You can find links to more FamilySearch Wiki pages for each and every county in the state. There is a box called “Oregon Topics” that is filled with links to … Continue reading

Six States have Insurance Exchanges Approved

A total of thirteen states (and the District of Columbia), have been working on creating a state-based health insurance exchange. This week, the Obama Administration gave conditional approval to the exchanges of six states. This is excellent news for the uninsured people living in those states. Part of the Affordable Care Act requires each and every state (and the District of Columbia) to have a health insurance exchange. The exchanges will be used by individuals and small businesses who are uninsured or who are seeking a more affordable health insurance plan. The exchanges will make it clear if a person … Continue reading

Great Summer Escapes—Oregon

If you are looking to stow away for some peace and quiet this summer look no further than the Pacific Northwest. Various lodgings throughout the state of Oregon have drastically reduced their rates to entice travelers to experience the serenity found in the mountains and coastal areas of this popular region. Take a look: CANNON BEACH The Ocean Lodge, located in the peaceful beach town of Cannon Beach, is offering a Northwest Picnic package that gives guests a chance to sample local cuisine. In addition to a nights accommodation, you will receive a basket full of regional products like Tillamook … Continue reading

Dachshund to the Rescue (Right in my Backyard!)

I heard it on the radio this morning: a heroic little dachshund named Annie brought help to her elderly owner. And it happened just a few miles from the Portland, Oregon suburb where I live. It was around one o’clock in the morning this past Tuesday. Residents in the Lake Grove neighborhood of Lake Oswego, Oregon called police to complain about a barking dog. The head of the Lake Oswego police canine unit responded to the calls, expecting to find a huge, menacing dog on the loose. Instead, Sergeant John Brent found a nine and a half pound dachshund. The … Continue reading

Oregon Road Trip

In a previous blog I noted that there are ways to tour the state of Oregon without blowing out your entire travel budget for the year. As I mentioned earlier, U.S. Highway 101 in Oregon takes you by some of the Beaver State’s most incredible scenery. The well-traveled road also leads you to some of the area’s most affordable lodgings (think $35-$50 per room per night). You can save more by setting up camp in one of the state’s lush parks. From Astoria, Oregon take the drive south to save even more in Newport. The historic waterfront district has a … Continue reading

Saving on Your Summer Vacation—Oregon

Now that you know how to save money on your summer vacation to California let’s head north to the breathtaking state of Oregon. I like to call this trip beauty on a budget. Oregon’s coastal highway provides access to some of the most spectacular views in the nation and the best part—they’re free. All of the beaches along Oregon’s coast are open to the public and access is guaranteed by law. Which means you can pull over, park, unpack your picnic and spend the afternoon whale watching, looking for agates, crabbing, surfing, strolling, or exploring shipwrecks anywhere along the 363-mile … Continue reading

Enjoy a Spring Fling in Oregon

The Beaver State. The Web-foot State. The Sunset State. Oregon’s list of nicknames is seemingly endless and if you have ever visited the Pacific Northwest you know the state lives up to them all. Oregon is home to vast forests, fertile valleys, and an incredibly rugged coastline. What’s more, the views of the Pacific Ocean from one of the state’s many cliffs are some of the most photographed in the world. If you are looking for an affordable place to take the entire family this spring consider heading to Oregon. To help persuade you hotels in the Portland area are … Continue reading

Marriage Laws – Oregon & Washington

I can believe we’re nearly done with our marriage laws journey that began way back in May (yes, I can say way back in May with a straight face). We’re nearing July (wrapping up our last week in June here) and we’re taking a break in the Pacific Northwest to look at the marriage laws in Oregon and Washington. Oregon There is no residency requirement related to applying for a marriage license in Oregon. You will need to bring a photo ID with you and likely your social security number. As with most states, each county may have its own … Continue reading

Tour A Rose Garden

In my previous blog: “Family Travel: Time To Stop and Smell The Roses” I tried to encourage you to get out and discover the fragrant blossoms blooming at your local botanical garden. My family took advantage of the wonderful spring-like temperatures on Mother’s Day to take a tour of our local gardens and I just got the pictures I took there back today. I am happy to report that the shots of my daughter next to the roses came out beautifully. Which is why I am anxious for you to get out and explore your local rose garden–even if it … Continue reading