Some Tough Oregonians Face Winter, but Are Making it with a Lot of Pluck and Luck in the Middle of Recession

Oregon usually hits the list of top places to live. Now it's struggling like the rest of the country. Who would have thought a year ago that could happen? I visited there to see family during the Christmas holidays of 2007, and shops were bustling. Now it's gloom and doom, people report, just like everywhere else, it seems. My sister says the town is bleak; the bad weather adding to problems. Who's making it now in Portland, Oregonian and what might that tell the rest of the country?

Oregon is pristine country. It is sheltered in the valley surrounded by beauty on all sides, not far from a beautiful Pacific Coast and its oceans and close to great skiing at Mt. Hood. But these wonderful attractions haven't stopped Oregonians from worrying. Some, however, are making money and doing just fine. Thankfully many of them are members of my family.

My brother drives a taxi. I asked him how business is now. The weather is bringing customers. He's busy all the time. He expects to have a downturn on the three cabs that he owns but continues to see customers. One of the reasons is that when folks can't drive cars, they call a cab when they can't afford a mechanic. A quick trip to the grocery; a drive to work, if it's close. Oregonians are bicycling, using taxis, using buses and doing everything they can to keep up with the high cost of living. Those in transportation seem to be fine.

My sister works for a school district and has been there more than 30 years. She's doing well too. Folks with tenure in schools will fare well. But those without tenure may not. The State is cutting back on new hires, and those recently on staff worry about tomorrow.

But teachers are employed and keeping their jobs.

My brother-in-law drives a food delivery truck. He's raking it in. That's because he delivers the cheap food, Mexican tacos and related items. Folks can afford these items, and the food stores that carry the least expensive food items are doing better than other places. He believes he will continue to make a lot of money during the recession.