nuances

So things here in Oregon are mostly like the rest the United States. But, it's when one moves and begins to live somewhere different does one realize there are just a few slight differences. I'm sure these things vary from region to region as well as culture to culture. Here are a few differences that I've noticed living here in Oregon as opposed to Texas:

• Parking lots - several ways in but two ways out (and it takes awhile to figure that out, put it to memory and retrieve that data when needed). You may or may not be allowed to exit the same way you entered.
• Bicycle lanes - yes, there on the right hand side just this side of the shoulder. And, what really takes getting used to is looking for the cyclists before you switch to the right turning lane, because the cycling lane divides the right turn lane and the straight away lane.
• Having someone else pump your gas. It is unlawful for me to do it. So, if there is a vacant pump and a time constraint and a slow attendant...well, there's a situation. At least it isn't hot out!
• There aren't any fried chicken joints. Well, KFC, but really, there aren't any fried chicken joints.
• Portlanders are proud of their beer. More proud than Texans.
• Dawn's light (in June) occurs between 4:45 and 5:05 a.m.
• Evening twilight continues until 10:15pm (will probably be longer in July).
• Movie theatre auditoriums are smaller. More compact. Stadium seating, yes. 2 story auditoriums, no. Big and wide auditoriums, no.
• Recycling receptacles are at the city parks.
• $.05 refunds on beer bottles.
• $.05 surcharge for every plastic bottle or can of soda (pop, as it is termed up here). Yes, you buy a 6 pack or a 24 pack, you pay the sale price + $.05/bottle/can.
• Not too many clover shaped on/off ramps at the freeways
• Purple houses up here don't look so bad and wealthy people just might live in one!
• Subaru's are the car of choice, so it seems. Not too many pickup trucks.
• Dogs rule. They can go just about anywhere here.

That's just off the top of my head. I know there are more things, but I'm out of time.