Bugsy and I

The Oregon coast in winter is windy and wild. There are no crowds, so you have long stretches of emptyish beaches upon which to walk. You will freeze your face off, of course. That's part of the fun.

It can be quite a cheap getaway, too. A few weeks ago, while in Lincoln City, Ore., Don and I stayed at the rustically charming Anchor Inn. Like the sign says, it's $39 a night (during the off season) and included a hearty (though not heart healthy) hot breakfast of pancakes and sausages. It seemed like quite a bargain.

Our little cabin had a couch with sand in the cushions, a dog-themed decor and groovy beaded curtains behind which was the bedroom, or, as the innkeeper called it, the "love nest." The inn is, I think, a lovingly remodeled, former dump of a roadside motel.

I loved the lounge and bar, but unfortunately they are only open for special events. We missed the transgender fashion show that happened the night before we arrived, but I did meet this handsome character one morning.

Bugsy, for that was the name etched in his tags, was not shy about asking for what he wanted.

And, who could say "no" to a face like that? Who would dare to say "no" to jaws like that?

After saying "so long" to Bugsy, we headed over to Nestucca Bay Yarns. It is an organized store with a good selection of yarn. It was difficult to choose. I hovered around the Simply Shetland bins for a long while, but finally decided I could not leave town without 4 skeins of Rowan Kidsilk Haze in a very beautiful and oceanic teal.

If you're ever in Lincoln City, I highly recommend visiting both Bugsy and Nestucca Bay Yarns.