PNW Storm

[oxysback]

Thanks for the info, Oxy. I've heard Newberg mentioned by those I know who used to live in Oregon (my department head used to work in the Portland area). I guess the basic things I'm looking for at this early stage are good/excellent schools for the kids, the availability of stable, "retireable" work for me, close to universities/trade schools, all within fairly close proximity of Sheridan and the prison. I like the idea of living in a small town with most of the conveniences and within a decent driving distance of bigger cities, but I also really like the idea of living closer to the ocean. Looooove the ocean. Good housing (i.e. newer 4-bdrm homes) is a must, too -- no fixer-uppers. Although I love to fix things, my husband doesn't. oh, and no snow to shovel...I have a bad back (I don't especially want to drive in it either).

Not too much to ask for, eh?

Riding buddies would be a definite bonus. I'd miss the awesome racing down here in Cali, though, except for the extreme No. Cal. races, which I could make with a long drive and a hotel stay, perhaps.

So enough about me....to keep with the thread, it's snowing again in Seattle I hear. Icey, slushy mud....sounds so lovely!

~BikeMomma

Well, Newberg has good schools. I'm not sure how old your kid(s) are, but we've got a freshman and so far she's really enjoying the high school. They officially started the "small schools" program this year. Personally, I think it's more trouble than it's worth, but I'm a bit more conservative than most when it comes to education. Our local college is George Fox University.

There are lots of new homes being built right now. Prices are upwards of $300,000 or so for a nice 4 bedroom.

We get a bit of snow every other year. I don't think we even own a snow shovel! Rain, on the other hand....hehe.

You may also want to consider Salem. It's closer to Sheridan than Newberg, but, of course, it's a much larger city.

OH...we did see a little snow yesterday (Sunday), but just pretty flakes that didn't stick to anything. Lasted about an hour or so.

[teigyr]

There was a tiny little bit of snow yesterday. I was running the Jingle Bell Run so it was kind of pretty and it fit into the scheme of the day We then went to a pub for alcohol and breakfast. It's been cold though, today was SO cold when I woke up.

I know someone who lives where a lot of the flooding happened but she was ok.

During the major rains, I was at the gym then the mall. Yeah, I know. It's a hard life I lead! It was scary driving though and the mall stores were short-staffed due to people not being able to make it in.

I am also so happy about how our community helped each other. So many places have disasters but it seems like the Seattle/Western part of WA (or maybe all of it) really rallies together when it has to. As much as the drivers here irk me, I have to say that I am proud to live here sometimes.