That’s right kiddies. With a few straight days of sub-70 degree weather it looks like the favorite garb of the Portland grungys can now come out in full force.

Jeans, preferably distressed to a point where one wonders how much longer the “knee-down” portion of the leg will remain attached.

Hoodie, usually a combination of dark colors and dark graphics. Think, black skulls on dark gray.

Now, mix in a twelve year-old pair of Converse low-top Chucks, shaggy hair, a Freitag messenger bag, and a skateboard and you’ve got three-fifths of the Portland population today. Dudes and chicks.

For what it’s worth, I’m all for it. The liberal blood that courses through this town loves nothing more than a little uniformity in dress. How else can we tell who the rebels are? Besides that, it gives anyone that has just moved here (or anyone visiting) a reminder on every corner just how weird Portland actually is.

At any rate, it’s a great signal that a rain-filled winter is about to descend upon us. Here’s hoping we all have a bright spot in our lives to look to in the next nine months as the sun recovers from blessing us with such a beautiful summer.

+Joe+

What is your winter “stay happy” trick of choice?