Livin' in the Blurbs: When It's Raining

Till spring is officially here, or at least until we get that week of gorgeous, warm weather in March, here are some suggestions for staying cozy.

Get Gardening

No one wants go out and slog through the mud right now, but on the third Tuesday of every month you can get inspiration from some of the country's top garden writers at Get Gardening! at Powell's Books in Cedar Hills. Their first speaker will be Raymond Evison (left), author of Clematis for Small Spaces and owner of The Guernsey Clematis Nursery Ltd. in the Channel Islands (off the coast of northern France but technically a part of Britain).

Details: Get Gardening! with Raymond Evison. Feb. 19, 7 pm; free. Powell's Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton. Phone 503-228-4651.

* * *

Dig This Den

Laurelwood has just opened the Brewer's Den upstairs at their NE Sandy location. Head over from Wednesday through Saturday evenings and quaff a few of their terrific brews. With comfy couches, a big screen TV and its own bar, it could be the new place to hang in Hollywood.

Details: Laurelwood Public House and Brewery, 5115 NE Sandy Blvd. Phone 503-282-0622.

* * *

Save the World on Your Lunch Hour

A series of Sustainability Brown Bags will explore simple steps you can take to decrease your carbon footprint and live a greener life. Developed by the Multnomah County Library and the City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development, topics will include converting lawn to garden, green remodeling and composting made easy. The complete schedule is available online.

Details: Sustainability Brown Bags in the US Bank room at the Central Library. Wednesdays, noon-1 pm; free (space is limited). Multnomah County Central Library, 801 SW 10th Ave. 503-988-5402.