By Tammy Strobel

A few months ago, I was riding my bike home after a morning of volunteering. Rather than going home I decided to change course and write at one of my favorite coffee shops. The coffee shop is quiet and it looks out over the Willamette River. The view is incredible and I love the atmosphere.

I walked into the shop, set my bag down at the nearest table, and began stripping off my rain gear. Once again, I was sending REI a silent thank you for their waterproof clothing. Throughout the morning, the rain came down in sheets. As I was cycling to the coffee shop water dripped off my face and clothing, but none of it seeped through my rain gear.

The barista gave me a half smile and I tried to be as friendly as possible. She seemed extremely downcast and wasn’t in the mood to... More...