In the near future, we would like to buy or build a tiny home on wheels that could be used as a writing studio, game space, guest house, or--with appropriate hauling--a country getaway, maybe closer to Mt. Hood. We love the idea of being able to do at least some of the work ourselves, saving labor costs as well as developing a personal investment in that space, but we know we will also need guidance, so we would consult with appropriate professionals on design, etc. (Toward this end, we have already toured some local tiny homes as well as the facilities of Art Design Portland: https://adxportland.com.) If you would like to support this goal, whether financially or with hands-on help with materials sourcing, design issues, and/or construction, we would be so grateful! And we look forward to sharing the result with you. <3

While Victoria looks forward to finally wrapping up her Bachelor's and ultimately, earning an M.A./M.S. in Book Publishing at PSU--for which she should have reasonable financial aid--Jacob, who earned his M.A. in Buddhist Studies in 2014, would like to new take classes every now and then, potentially at one of our excellent area community colleges. (Portland Community College, for instance, runs a class in tiny home construction--we might both want to do that!) Whether for expenses Victoria's financial aid won't cover or for tuition and fees for any new classes for Jacob, contributions in any amount toward our continuing education are appreciated.

This well-rated, smooth-running trailer can attach to either of our bikes for adventures where we have to haul groceries, books, or a huge picnic. Unlike with a true cargo bike (the sort Victoria used to lust after), we can just as easily detach the trailer--which then converts to a rolling cart we can push by hand or fold up and store--and still be able to put our bikes on a local TriMet bus rack. Maximum hauling capacity plus options for not getting stuck somewhere! (We've seen them both on the bus and at a local shop in Woodstock, and they are awesome!)

Our magnificent local Powell's (visit if you haven't!) not only stocks used and new books, but also a hearty selection of the latest board games! Store credit/Powells.com gift cards are always appreciated by both of us. To list this item on this site, we have to enter *some* dollar amount, but you can actually enter any amount (including denominations smaller than $25) once at the site.

We're doing our best to keep up with the service needs of our Smart car--effectively gifted to us by Victoria's dad and stepmom, after an earlier knee injury, since healed, made Jacob's sole reliance on bike transportation problematic. (For instance, we recently replaced all tires.) Especially for the increased mobility it allows us--day trip to the Columbia Gorge on a moment's notice? No problem!--we love our little "Tweety bird" (alternatively, our "tiny yellow teacup"), but soon, it will be time for our 20,000-mile service at MBI Motors. Any amount to offset this expense (or that for repairs, should such a need arise) is very appreciated!

We love "Cottage Garden's" designer--we are huge "Agricola" and "Patchwork" fans--and would enjoy giving this new game a try! (NOTE: Price stated is MSRP; may vary depending on where purchased, whether online or at one of our wonderful local game stores like Red Castle, Cloud Cap, or Guardian Games)

It's true that our present towel collection consists of old, not especially comfortable or absorbent, comically unmatched, ragged and sometimes visibly torn articles. This well-reviewed set would be an eco-friendly, plush, highly absorbent and vastly more aesthetically pleasing replacement. (Price noted above is MSRP, may vary depending on vendor; this page links to Amazon, which at this writing has them marked down to $24.99.)

This is the WiFi-connectable, but distraction-free word processing dream-machine Victoria has been hankering for since forever. (While yes, this is more for Victoria, we'd both benefit, as we do when Jacob gets gift certificates to local game stores!) It weighs less than most laptops, and its files sync with Google Drive, but you can use it to write offline for weeks at a time on a single, 3-hour charge, so it would be perfect for our camping and other travels!

As ardent supporters of science (in an age when, alas, such inclinations must sometimes be specified), we would love to be able to visit this extraordinary local museum, conveniently only a short bike ride on the Springwater Corridor from our home. (Given the cost and many competing priorities, we've still never visited in our nearly four years of cohabitation.) Their least expensive, "OMSI for two"* membership level ("1 named adult + 1 guest" option) includes 2 theater or submarine vouchers, and would allow us to both visit the museum's extraordinary installations and exhibits, and would permit either of us to bring any individual guest (like you!) - so, win-win. :) * If you have any trouble ordering via this link, you can contact the museum for orders via phone: 503-797-4634; see the main memberships page at https://ticketing.omsi.edu/ItemList.aspx?node_id=10744.

Whether for a spontaneous overnight in Mt. Hood National Forest or a planned trip just about anywhere, a self-inflating sleeping pad (with pillows!) like this one would make all the camping comfort difference.

With a bike rack for two, we could both get out of town easily and bike in areas like the Columbia Gorge! (We love our bikes, but we are not biking from here all the way there and back.) Adventure!

It's true: our area boasts the nation's only publicly accessible board game museum! (Visit IMOGAP.org for more; plan a visit while you are in town, if you are interested.) Right now, they are in the process of relocating from Beaverton to nearby Tualatin, and (a bit confusingly) their website is still offering a 25% "December discount" (ergo, a "couples" membership *may* still be obtainable for only $56.25), but we have seen its collection once, and it is extraordinary, with exhibits not only showcasing games from all over the world, but also dealing with important historical narratives they highlight (for example, games created to highlight civil rights). We really appreciate this weird little place (and happily forgive its occasional use of Comic Sans in its materials), and would love to both support its mission and be able to play the games in its collection, on-site.

Right now we have only a tiny, almost lunchbox-sized cooler; something like this would be awesome for our camping getaways.

We really miss our dearly departed rice cooker (which was great for quinoa too, until it died a few months ago).

We love camping together, but would love it even more in a more snuggle-friendly sleeping bag meant for two. :)