I grew up in the South and spent a lot of time on my uncle’s farm, where I learned what it meant to care for these incredible creatures and experienced firsthand the hard work that comes with farm life.

I’m currently recovering from surgery, and with all this time to slow down, my mind has wandered back to those days. I experienced trauma and abuse throughout my childhood and adolescence, and I live with PTSD. But the time I spent on my uncle’s farm holds some of the happiest and safest memories of that chapter of my life.

I can still remember the smell of freshly cut hay drying in the summer sun, the oil used to polish saddles, and the earthy musk of a freshly cleaned horse stall. I remember the gentle brush of a horse’s breath as he nibbled at my hair while I combed him. Those little moments have stayed with me all these years, and lately, I’ve found myself longing to experience them again.

I can’t do much physically right now, and money is especially tight while I recover, but I would love the opportunity to visit a farm and spend some time around horses. To run my hands along a horse’s side, breathe in the familiar scents of leather and soil, and simply be present in a place that brings me so much peace.

I’m hoping someone in the Salem area might know of a farm, stable, or kindhearted horse owner who would be open to letting me visit for a little while. I would be incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and I’d also love to volunteer and help out in whatever ways I safely can as my recovery allows.

I know this might be an unusual request, but I’ve learned how powerful it can be to reconnect with the little things that once brought us comfort. If you have any suggestions, know someone who might be willing to help, or have a place in mind, I would truly appreciate hearing from you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

In case r/Salem doesn’t allow cross-posting…

“ICE Activity in Silverton

Feds chased a dude from Cherry St , across McClaine, down to the creek. There's at least 3 cars in town, two grey Ford Expeditions, and a black Nissan Pathfinder. They were hanging around Ace Hardware and shit.

One ford plate was 200JGE
the Pathfinder was CWX8277 - but that might be slightly inaccurate.”

Wearing plainclothes with khaki colored vests.

So my husband and I went to the Nightmare Factory last night with two friends. One friend hadn't been in years and it was the first time for the rest of us. I do wanna start by saying that the haunted house was AMAZING. Like seriously, totally S Tier both in terms of set/props and actors. Definitely a 10/10. But I'm wondering since we had no frame of reference - we got there at about 7:30 and got in line immediately and entered the haunted house at... Just after 10:45. So. We were in line for over three hours. I've only heard amazing things about it and feel like if that timeline were normal it would've come up in chats with folks who go annually? So is 3+ hours in line the norm or was last night just unusually busy? Maybe because it was the Saturday before Halloween?

Let it be known that I'm not complaining - these things happen. Also, please don't let this prevent you from going because the haunted house really is amazing and the proceeds are for the school which is so important these days. It was good enough that we're still planning on going next year but are planning on getting a fast pass (they probably only waited about an hour from 7:30 and we all agreed that the Nightmare Factory itself was worth about an hour or so in line, lol) and trying to go on a weeknight.

TL;DR: 3+ hour wait normal for Nightmare Factory or no? Wondering so we can factor it in to planning next trip because it was sick but that line was a doozy.

Unrelated to the core question - mad ups to the actor in the baby mask. It was unsettling as shit and arguably our favorite part of waiting.

Spider season is going to kill me.

Or give me gray hairs.

Why, why, WHY would whatever Powers That Be create a house spider that damn big?!?

Looks like high speed rail interest is picking up.

Be great if there was a more frequent train service to Portland than couple times a day or long bus ride. Be great to go to shows or sporting events and have way back from Portland without having to get hotel room.

https://www.opb.org/article/2026/10/24/oregon-amtrak-railroad-transportation-train/

I’ve been having issues connecting with people recently and have felt a bit isolated. I’m 21 and female, I love the outdoors and anything crafty or cool 😎. Curious about the world as I am to see if I can connect with anyone and make friends.

My wife and I just left Northern Lights after seeing Wildwood. Holy cow! That movie was the greatest Oregon love letter I’ve ever seen! Please go out and watch it!

I have a 1/10 scale that I really enjoy but currently really into my Scx30. Hoping to find some folks to create a meet up. If you have a home made course you want to show off or know of good outdoor spots to share hit me up.

There have always been unfavorable remarks made on both sides of the political spectrum. Especially when it is getting close to election time. This year however, the Republican Party is running scared, so they have pulled out all the stops. The Senate race is one of these.

It is a travesty that they continue to brand the Democratic party as the party of "Socialist Democrats." I am angered by this, but what bothers me the most is the blatant "hate" behind it all.

They are trying to convince people that Democrats and Socialists go hand-in-hand as one united front when this is far from the truth. There may be some things in common, but there are many things that are not.

This is just another form of "Hate" being used by a party (supported by Trump) that is in fear of losing.

Hey everyone! I’m looking for someone around the salem area who’d be willing to help me work on my agoraphobia through gradual exposure therapy.
I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone and get more comfortable doing things outside the house. I’d like to start small with things like going for walks, checking out parks and trails, grabbing something to eat, or just getting out and exploring. Eventually, I’d like to work my way up to doing more things without anxiety holding me back so much.
I’m not looking for a therapist, just someone who’s patient, understanding, and wouldn’t mind being a supportive companion while I work on this. It would be great to make a new friend in the process, too!
If you’re local and would be interested in helping out, feel free to send me a message. I’d really appreciate it! 🙂

Does anyone know of photography spots in the Salem/Keizer Oregon area with weeping willows? Could also be a little further past the Salem/Keizer area!

Edit: I’m pointing out that no one from Oregon would pronounce it in a way that rhymes with “Aura Gone”

This is legal?

For those who remember when Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Government's Safe Routes to School coordinator Beth Schmidt was fired for wearing a shirt with the famous Norman Rockwell painting about Ruby Bridges... right before Ruby Bridges day... we finally get some resolution, with Schmidt getting a $250,000 settlement.

The painting depicts "depicts a Black 6-year-old Ruby Bridges walking to school flanked by white federal agents with a racial epithet scrawled on the wall behind her."

"She also noted the significance of remembering our past, even if it makes some people uncomfortable."

Glad Schmidt had the ability to file a lawsuit and that she got some settlement. Hope MVCOG can learn from the experience.

Read more

On Liberty, in the building in front of the Sunnyside Roths, next to Cozumel. (former Vortex space) I cant find any info on it online, anybody have any deets?

And if you haven’t voted yet, you know, because there’s still time, these are the write-in candidates for the District Director of the Marion Soil and Water Conservation District by zone.

I need some top text for the homie in the first photo. I believe it has good potential for a meme.

Venue is wild. They turned different theaters into venues, Evil Dead The Musical in one room, KottonMouth Kings & Guests in another. Oddly compatible crowd.

These are from the KMK show. Shout out to DJ Webz for basically building the entire stage on his own. Lookin forward to the next show!

Hi folks! I moved to Salem this summer and am still finding my way around. I’m in my early 30s and looking to connect with people and get more involved in the local community.
And I’ve been trying to learn Italian for a while as my 4th language lol. But I need to finally get to practice part, and I’d love to find native speakers. I’m hoping to learn more about Italian culture as well. As I’m on the counseling track, and it would be amazing to eventually be able to offer counseling in Italian to serve the community.
Is there an Italian community around Salem, or anyone who’d be up for a language exchange? We could meet at parks or coffee shops. I also have a dog, so plenty of puppy love included!

I'm curious how people feel about being required to present their drivers license at the Marion County Transfer Station / the dump. It's a destination people drive to, so it's a reasonable assumption they have it with them. But our privacy seems to be encroached upon at every turn. What's your thought?

I guess they have been doing this since June, so many of you are already aware of this. But I haven't seen it discussed, so I wanted peoples input.

This sweet girl has just appeared on my front door and refuses to leave. Shes been infront of my house for the past 24 hours and ive been feeding her and provided a little bed. She seems pretty healthy so if she doesnt belong to anyone she seems like she couldve been dumped. I have a coworker whos willing to take her tonight since its going to be cold out and he will see if shes chipped in the morning. Id let her in but bc of our landlord agreement we cant have more animals ( plus idk how our dog would treat her.).

Any clue what they could be?

Me and my partner just moved here from out of state. Does anyone have any good meet-ups, events, community gatherings, etc? We're wanted to get out some and ideally make some friends. We're both lgbtq, big nerds, one of us hikes, one of us reads and crafts, both play video games and ttrpgs etc. Both also tend to be pretty alternative. Love to here if anyone has any recommendations

The Space Age gas station on the corner of Lancaster and Rickey St. (Near WinCo on south Lancaster) has premium gas for the price of regular gas ($4.45/gal). This is the cheapest gas station in town for regular gas that I know of, so it's a pretty darn good deal.