Making Time For Recreation
August 2017
LifeGrid Magazine | LifeGrid.com.au
by Karla Erovick
We’ve all heard the phrase “Time flies when you are having fun” and it couldn’t be truer than in McMinnville. Here in Oregon wine country, the
solar and lunar calendars have a big impact on our lives since this remains a major agricultural region. Our winters tend to be long, wet, and
dismal. Summer is a time for celebration, a gift for surviving another winter. During the summer, we revel in the longer daylight hours. Many
whose work centers around agriculture tend to work from sun-up to sun-down. Working outdoors during the cooler early hours is essential.
To get us started whether early or late, we rely on coffee. Many have a coffee ritual either at home or in a nearby coffee shop. It’s important to
get the day off to a great start. We have an array of local coffee roasters and coffee shops in town that help us to start our day in the best way
possible. No matter how busy we might be, taking time to get outdoors in our glorious summer weather is essential for lunch. We also have
farm-fresh fruits and vegetables in our many Farmer’s markets that and farm stands that ensure we eat well. In McMinnville, as in Oregon, we
prioritize outdoor recreation. With longer days, running or walking before work becomes a bigger priority. Hiking, biking, or kayaking after work
before dark is possible. Outdoor movies, concerts, plays, and sporting events are packed and everyone wants to be outdoors having fun.
We all become busy planning barbeques, picnics, and camping to take advantage of great weather. Our location in McMinnville is ideal for an
afternoon of wine tasting, or a trip to the ocean or mountains, just an hour’s drive. We love boating, swimming, and kayaking in our rivers and
lakes during warm, sunny weather. There is something magical about being on or near water. You will see lots of campers and motorhomes lining
our roadways with people loading up their gear and families to get away to some beautiful landscape for a quick overnight or weekend getaway.
You will find our region experiences “summer fever” which is characterized by a lack of motivation for productive work but completely focused
on the after work or weekend recreation option.
No matter how busy, we always have time for a glass of local wine, probably made by someone we know, or to enjoy a cold beer, also made
by someone we know. In our area, we work hard and play hard, always appreciating our beautiful location, a plethora of outdoor activities, access
to farm-fresh food, beer, and wine and lots of entertainment options. It’s almost as if we are living for those moments after work where we can
just play. We crowd as much into our free time as possible, overbooking ourselves with fun activities because it is such a relief to be outdoors in
beautiful weather.
Come experience the magic that summer brings to Oregon wine country and enjoy an endless amount of recreation choices!
With love and gratitude,
Karla Erovick
LifeGrid® Local Editor - McMinnville
www.karlaerovick.com
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