Livin' in the Blurbs: Crazy Weekend!

It's Friday, and normally I'd be heaving a big sigh of relief because, even as a freelancer, weekends mean there's a schedule change. Dave comes home from work on Friday and, unless we have plans with friends, makes us one of his stunningly fabulous cocktails, whereupon we sit on the front porch and drink in front of the neighbors (who get really jealous). But this weekend is looking particularly packed.

Saturday has three events:

• First is the Art Harvest Studio Tour of Yamhill County artists (11 am-6 pm, Oct. 1-3 and 8-10). My first stop will be my friend Clare's Big Table Farm where she'll be showing her artwork (top) and doing farm tours. Get a preview of a few of her paintings.
• I'll dash back to town and head to Foster & Dobbs to sit at the feet of Mr. Paul Bertolli, where he will be handing out samples of his amazing cured meats from 3:30 to 4:30. Try not to trip over me in your rush! (Read why I'm behaving like a lovestruck teenager.)
• Winding up the day is a friend's birthday party which is looking like a lollapalooza of a pork fest, with 12.5 lbs. of pork shoulder being turned into a 7.5 lb. bone-in pernil and 5 lbs. of pork vindaloo. And, yes, I promise I'll take pictures.

Sunday has just two obligations:

• Portland's biggest not-so-secret food event happens at Provvista Specialty Foods when they host their annual trade tasting from 11 am to 4 pm. It's for suppliers and account-holders only, but if you know one of those lucky few and can convince them to take pity on you, you can slide in on their coattails.
• Then later than afternoon, Anthony and Carol Boutard are hosting their annual Farm Ramble at Ayers Creek Farm from 3 to 6 pm. Anthony promises "a chance to see how we grow the food you eat. We haven't had time to plow under our mistakes and failures for the season, so you will see what works and what doesn't." He also says that "there will be lots of traditional Lebanese turnip pickles because you all never buy enough turnips and we had a whole bunch over after last Sunday's market and, by gum, we want you fall in love with turnips and have a glum look on your face when we sell out of them." (There will be other light snacks as well.)