Winston has been my home for the last year and a bit. It is a small town of 5,379 people spread…read moreover the town and country area. The town has a Wildlife Safari-a 600-acre zoo with animals from around the world & a 4.5-mile drive-thru loop. The businesses in town celebrate the wildlife safari with wildlife sculptures on and around the businesses. The town enjoys the wine and craft beer scene that are so popular in Oregon. There are 5 wineries in Winston-4 that are open. The Abacela, Freed, HV, Spangler, are open for business so check them out. The Breweries are right on Main Street, close enough to visit one then the other- check out the Old 99 and Lookingglass Breweries. Winston and nearby Dillard combine to put on yearly events such as the Forth of July Independence Day Fireworks, Walk on the Wild Side with Wine, Oktoberfest, a Christmas Ball and Parade. Businesses also have a Melon Festival, Trunk or Treat and many more.

About a 3 hour drive from Portland. The population is roughly 3,500 next to Roseburg. Based on my…read moreobservation, it took a little more than 5 minutes to get to a McDonald's and sorry to say this but that is far! - a lot of wood mills - a Pepsi factory - a McD's (keeping in mind we did not tour the entire city - a Subway - a Papa Murphy's - a meat butcher type of place - a Red Box right outside the McDonald's - their banks (I heard they are snooty) - rivers, beautiful endless rivers - hiking trails - the "Fish Ladder" - Fish Ladders exist on both sides of the Bonneville Dam - they opened their 1st strip club called Yogee, I believe - lots of deers, longhorns, sheep, and horses - I did not see any wolves but I heard they come out to hunt at night - lots of coffee houses - lots of gerneral stores type of places As you get deeper and deeper into the mountains, there will be no service for your cellphones so if something happens, you are screwed unless you can flag a car, speeding truck, or a ranger... This city is literally empty to me. I am so used to going out to do things or buy things (i.e. go to the gym, grocery shopping, shopping, window shopping, etc., etc.) but to my demise, I was home for about 3 days total (Thursday-Saturday). Though we left for the gourds and to see the Colliding Rivers (this place was serene and breathtaking), it seemed like we were confined at home the entire Thanksgiving weekend. I am not used to that at all but to tell you the truth, I actually liked doing "nothing". I sat in his mom's chair whilst drinking my something alcoholic drink and had my feet up... something I have never done and though it was TOO relaxing to my liking, I eventually acclimated and enjoyed myself. I had my 1st glass of eggnog w/ Brandy and nutmeg... I had my 1st slice of pumpkin cheesecake (I don't do pumpkins) but I am glad I tried because it was delicious! His mom baked snickerdoodle cupcakes and almond rocha for us and bought loads and loads of food. I cannot believe the amount of food that was packed ever so tightly in the fridge and yet we seemed to want more and more. At least I tried to make use of leftovers the day after Thanksgiving. I made a mashed potatoes and ham casserole but since we did not have heavy cream, I used whole milk and that turned out quite yummy. I had the kitchen to myself basically so I was living my dream. My little monster had the entire house to destroy. He had toys and his own room w/ a playpen when we arrived. His mom bought so much snacks for us... we had to take some home. I cannot fathom the type of care and affection I received. I love my family, my mom dearly but the way old school Asians show love is by scolding and lectures (haha- it is true) but w/ his mom it was just understanding and giving endlessly. I was sad and actually shed a few tears when she dropped us off at the airport. This was how I spent my Thanksgiving weekend.

My experience is limited and I hope not typical but I found them unresponsive to a situation that…read moreneeded further inquiry.