Amber waves of grain and purple mountain majesty-type crap

As we were driving through the Oregon landscape this week, I was reminded how most states aren't made up on one kind of topography. For example, I had preconceived notions of Oregon being all mountains and green vistas. Don't get me wrong, Oregon has plenty of green mountains; however, it hadn't occurred to me how much drier the eastern part of the state was. I also hadn't thought much about there being much ag in Oregon. As we drove further east, we passed farm after farm, which brings me to my next thought.

Have you ever noticed that farmers don't seem to put much stock in the aesthetics of their property? Don't get me wrong...fields of cotton do indeed resemble snow, and the mathematical layout of green and amber crops can be beautiful and striking. But so many yards and fields are also littered with old, rusted farm equipment. Barns are usually a nice red, but farm houses never really seem to push the envelope. Think of all of the fantabulous colors that occur in nature. You didn't think artists and scientists just pulled these colors out of their asses, did you? This past week I saw a turquoise bug and blazing pink salmon. Can you imagine driving through the American midwest and seeing a cerulean blue farm house? The windmill could be fushia, and the barn would have sunflowers painted on the side. Farmers probably even have more freedom to be wild. They don't have to contend with annoying homeowner's associations.

In other news, I want to thank the state of Oregon for having the decency to be cold while I visited. Virginia, consider yourself on notice in regard to your weather.